This year my favorite quirky book is “Badlands Saloon” by artist Jonathan Twingley. The story is about an art student from New York who goes to North Dakota for the summer. Illustrated and semi-autobiographical, “Badlands Saloon,” is a loving portrait of oddball characters, the down-and-out, the ordinary and the outcasts. Here are some of the illustrations…

And some of Twingley’s other illustrations…A talented artist, Jonathan Twingley is also a remarkable writer. “Badlands Saloon” might not be to everyone’s taste. But sometimes reading out of our comfort zone can bring happy surprises and inspiration. Stay tuned for a list of other quirky reads. Of course quirky could be the story line or the style of writing. What’s your favorite quirky book?? Or am I alone in my love of the bizarre?